In my last post, I proudly declared I had become “one of those people” — the kind who actually goes to the gym and does AquaFit. Well… let me tell you how that worked out.

For over four months, I showed up two to three times a week like a champ. And honestly? The results were fantastic. I lost weight faster than I expected, my knees hurt way less, my muscles felt toned, and I just generally had more pep in my step. I actually looked forward to it. Who was this person?!

Then the universe decided to throw me a curveball.

Two nearby gyms closed their pools for maintenance, and suddenly all those regulars flooded into our pool. Some days there were over 60 seniors packed in at once. The water looked like a crowded cruise ship pool on a hot day. That’s when I discovered something about myself:

I might be a germaphobe.

Twice I walked up to the edge and the water was milky. Not “slightly cloudy” — straight-up gross. I’m guessing it was a delightful cocktail of everyone’s lotion, sunscreen, deodorant, and who-knows-what-else. Another day there were mysterious little floaty things brushing against my legs. I nearly levitated out of the pool.

After that, I couldn’t unsee (or unfeel) it. Every time I thought about getting in, my brain helpfully supplied images of 60+ seniors happily peeing in the water like it was their own private ocean. And that was it. I was done.

Now just the thought of the pool makes my skin crawl. I’m genuinely disappointed in myself for not being able to push through it, because I really did love the workout. But here we are.

So I’ve been hunting for a good full-body, low-impact option that won’t murder my knees. This little gadget popped up in my Facebook feed, and the ad promised it’s joint-friendly. I ordered it from Aense nine days ago… and it still hasn’t shipped. (I’m side-eyeing them pretty hard right now.)

The Germ Lesson I Learned:

I can live with my own mess. My house is far from spotless, and that’s fine — I just hire someone to help keep it civilized. But other people’s germs? Hard pass. Apparently I have very clear boundaries when it comes to shared bodily fluids in a giant public soup.

Has anyone else had their fitness routine derailed by something like this? Or found a great knee-friendly workout they actually stuck with? I’d love to hear your suggestions while I wait for this mystery package to finally show up.

Stay tuned — I’ll let you know how it goes!